The Indian hockey team will be up against New Zealand on Wednesday

India take on steely New Zealand today

The Indian hockey team will be up against New Zealand on Wednesday in what would be a key game for both teams. Both sides lost their openers on Monday. While India went down 2-3 to the Netherlands, the Kiwis were tripped by two first-half goals from South Korea.
On the evidence of their performances on Monday, India appear better-equipped than the Kiwis who, though, have a psychological advantage of winning their previous encounter 5-1 en route to lifting the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia recently.
The Black Sticks, who have brought a virtually unchanged squad to the Olympics, did not enjoy much play against the speedy Koreans and were forced to adopt a defensive posture. That tactic could work against them on Wednesday because, on their day, an attacking Indian team can trouble the best of teams.
Historically, Indians have never been good starters, but if they hope to make it to the medal rounds then they cannot afford to drop too many points in the preliminary league. The Kiwis have never looked capable of emulating their 1976 batch that won the gold medal at the Montreal Games and India would be justified to fancy their chances. A win for India will provide them a boost ahead of the tough back-to-back games against Germany and South Korea.
Of concern for Team India coach Michael Nobbs would be the side’s inability to sustain their level of play in the last quarter. Against the Dutch, a draw appeared a distinct possibility until the Indian defence caved in. Though Nobbs has been at pains to emphasise that the fitness levels of his players has been good enough, India did slacken against the Dutch during the twilight of the game.
India can expect the Kiwis to hit hard as they, too, need the points. And this scenario should make for a tense battle of nerves. Under the circumstances, India would need to seize the upper hand.
“The boys had done a lot of hard work and it was quite baffling that they did not put all the practice into play in the first half against the Netherlands,” Nobbs said. “They seemed to be starstruck...”